Opening of the
Louise Cleary csb
Learning Centre
On the 17th of May the Kildare Ministries community gathered at Marian College Sunshine West to officially open the new Louise Cleary csb Learning Centre. During the ceremony, Donna Rampova (Assistant to the Principal) reflected upon the many reasons why Marian SW chose to name the building after Louise Cleary.
"In her brief time at Marian, Louise Cleary made a significant difference to the culture of the College, especially in relation to learning and wellbeing. Louise is an educator who understands what exemplary learning and teaching looks like, and she applied a compassionate understanding to building high expectations across the college community.
Her capacity to connect with and relate to students, especially the ones that test our patience more than others, was inspiring to watch. What I remember is that the students sought her out, and enjoyed talking with her – they knew they were known and understood, and would still be held to account for higher expectations.
Louise was instrumental in building a culture where students were more accountable for their learning, and the introduction of processes that built skills and knowledge development that students could draw on as part of senior programs and beyond year 12 was fundamental to building this culture.
Louise trusted the staff in different areas to do their roles – her trust built capacity and confidence in a reasonably young staff. At the same time you knew you could draw on Louise’s expertise and support any time that you needed – her clarity was of thinking was inspirational.
Her commitment was awe-inspiring – Louise’s commitment was 6.5 days per week, but we also worried about how hard she was working. You knew always that she wanted the best for everyone in the community. While Louise worked this hard – she certainly did not expect that of the staff and acknowledged that family and rest were just as important.
She listened – you could take anything to her – she respected your ideas, opinions and feelings, and acknowledged your feelings in relation to any issue you took to her.
News of being elected as congregational leader was bittersweet for the community – we were very happy that one of our own was recognised for her outstanding leadership, but her absence would be felt deeply because of the impact she made across the community.
Consequently Louise, in her various leaderships roles including Congregational Leader of the Brigidine Sisters was instrumental in the dreaming and creating of Kildare Ministries.
The work in earnest began at least ten years before the launch in 2014, with numerous committees being formed to ensure a smooth transition of governance from the Brigidine Sisters to the Trustees of Kildare Ministries. The Brigidine Sisters were already in partnership with their principals and stewardship councils of six Victorian and one South Australian school, through the Brigidine Secondary Schools Council which had oversight of the strategic development of the schools. More importantly, the Brigidine have always prioritised the mission if its schools which is deeply steeped in justice, compassion and hospitality.
After many years of planning and development, meetings and consultations three Brigidine Sisters went to Rome to present their application for Kildare Ministries. Sr Louise Cleary was one, Sisters Maree Marsh and Angela Ryan were the other two that presented our case in Rome. Now Sr Louise Cleary is the Chair of the Members Council that has oversight for the work of Kildare Ministries and stepped in to be Chair of the KEM Board in 2019, when the inaugural Chair Mr Michael Doyle had to resign from the position due to ill health. It speaks of Louise’s commitment and dedication to the Brigidine schools but also her bountiful spirit of generosity; her reputation as a fine educator of young people and her faith in the future of Kildare Ministries.
We gave thanks that Louise is part of our community and have her example to what it means to give witness to the values of Kildare Ministries."
